The Pacific imperial pigeon (Ducula pacifica) name directly refers to the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Islands where these pigeons are found. The name was given by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789 when he described the bird based on John Latham's earlier work. Also known as the Pacific pigeon, Pacific fruit pigeon or lupe, it has a characteristic black knob on its upper bill which is missing in juveniles. It is primarily a frugivore, meaning it eats a wide variety of fruits – this diet is crucial for seed dispersal, helping to maintain forest health and biodiversity. Pacific imperial pigeons are strong fliers and have successfully colonised numerous islands and archipelagos across the Pacific. They can travel long distances over water to reach new islands.
